Transformable Pillow Systems

ABSTRACT

A transformable pillow systems which utilizes granular material within an outer case which is adapted to configure in one of two configurations, such that in one configuration the pillow presents a first option for use as a collared pillow adapted for neck support, while the second configuration is adapted to for use as a traditional flat pillow. The configurations may be adapted to have ornamental aspects which create animal characters in one or both of the configurations.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to pillows that are adapted to transform from a first to a second configuration, and more specifically to transformable pillows which may include ornamental features geared towards children.

2. Description of Related Art

Persons who are forced to sit for a long time in an upright posture have struggled with obtaining adequate neck support so that back or neck problems do not arise as a result of their having to sit for a long time. As a result, these people may use a horseshoe shaped collar pillow. This issue can also arise for travelers in airplanes, cars, or trains. The collar pillow typically fits around the neck and sits on the shoulders and supports the back of the neck to prevent the head form tilting sharply to one side, so that hinging of the neck is minimized.

Transformable pillows have been developed which allowed the user to get the benefit of different pillow types, as needed during differing portions of their day, or while traveling, allowing them to bring just one pillow.

In addition to the practical issues faced by adults, children may bring additional concerns. Children may be more likely to use an item which is otherwise good and healthy for them if there is an ornamental aspect to the item. The ornamental aspect may give the child comfort, or allow for imaginary play, for example. Thus, transformable pillows which are adapted to both provide multiple configurations of support and ornamental aspects, such as animal characters, may be a significant aid to traveling with children. What is called for is a transformable pillow which includes characters, such as animal or imaginary characters.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides transformable pillow systems which utilize granular material within an outer case which is adapted to configure in one of two configurations, such that in one configuration the pillow presents a first option for use as a collared pillow adapted for neck support, while the second configuration is adapted to for use as a traditional flat pillow. The configurations may be adapted to have ornamental aspects which create animal characters in one or both of the configurations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view of the first configuration of a pillow system with zipper according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view of a second, collared, configuration of a pillow system with zipper according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a view of transformable pillow system in an open, extended position, with the collar end down, according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4A-D are cross-sectional side views of a pillow being put into a second configuration according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a view of the pillow system in a second, collared, configuration according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a view of transformable pillow system in an open, extended position, with the collar end up, according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 7A-D are cross-sectional side views of a pillow being put into a first configuration according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a view of the first configuration of a pillow system with hook and loop fasteners according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a view of transformable pillow system in an open, extended position, with the collar end down, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 10A-B are cross-sectional side views of a pillow being transformed into a collared configuration according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a view of the first configuration of a pillow system with buttons according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a view of a second, collared, configuration of a pillow system with buttons according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 13A-B are cross-sectional side views of a pillow being transformed into a collared configuration according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a view of the first configuration of a pillow system with zipper according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a view of a second configuration of a pillow system with zipper according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a view of transformable pillow system in an open, extended position, according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 17A-D are cross-sectional side views of a pillow being transformed into a second configuration according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a view of transformable pillow system in an open, extended position, according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 19A-D are cross-sectional side views of a pillow being transformed into a different configuration according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a view of a configuration of a pillow system with hook and loop fasteners according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a view of transformable pillow system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a view of the first configuration of a pillow system with buttons according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a view of a second configuration of a pillow system with buttons according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a view of a first configuration of a pillow system with zipper according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a view of a second configuration of a pillow system with zipper according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a view of transformable pillow system in an open, extended position, according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a view of a configuration of a pillow system with hook and loop fasteners according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a view of transformable pillow system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a view of a first configuration of a pillow system with buttons according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a view of a second configuration of a pillow system with buttons according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a first configuration 101 and a second configuration 102 of a transformable pillow system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The pillow is transformable from the first configuration 101 to the second configuration 102, and also transformable from the second configuration 102 to the first configuration 101. As seen in FIG. 1, the first configuration 101 may be a pillow that has aspects of an animal character. The three dimensional aspect of the animal character still has significant amount of smooth surface such that a comfortable head supporting function is attainable in this first animal character configuration 101.

The first configuration 101 of the transformable pillow system 100 may include features of an animal character, which may endear the pillow system to children. A head 115 of an animal character, such as a dog, may include eyes, 114, a nose 113, and ears 112. The paws 111 may also be simulated as part of the first pillow configuration, while maintaining a significant area 116 available for use as a traditional flat pillow surface. The character features, such as eyes, nose, and ears, may contain their own fill material that is captured within the character feature. The captured fill material may allow for the feature, such as ears, to have fill in it when the pillow is in a particular configuration, as it may be somewhat difficult to route the main fill material into some of the passages of these features if these features were only to be filled with fill which was carried over from the other side of the pillow. With captured fill, the features may maintain a more textured look.

The second configuration 102 of the transformable pillow system 100, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 5, may include a collar end 124 with two tubular collar sections 121, 122, which may also include ornamental aspects on the ends of the tubular collar sections 121, 122, such as the head 123 and feet 126 of an animal character. A closed zipper 125 is seen at the base of the collar end 124 of the pillow. Some aspects, such as the ears in this example, may have captured fill.

FIG. 3 illustrates the transformable pillow system 100 wherein the first end 130 and the second end 131 are both spread out on either side of the reversible zipper 125. FIGS. 4A-D illustrate cross-sections of the pillow system as it starts from the posture as seen in FIG. 3 and is transformed to the second configuration 102 with a collar, as seen in FIG. 5. The pillow system 100 has a pillowcase 132 with the first end 130 with features of an animal character, and a second end 131 with a collar pillow, which also may have animal feature characteristics on the ends of the tubular collar sections. The first end 130 and the second end 131 are separated by a reversible zipper system 125 in some embodiments.

In order to allow for transformation into the second configuration 102, the pillowcase 132 may be held vertically with the second end 131 downward. As seen in cross-section in FIG. 4A, the pillowcase 132 is partially filled with a fill material 133. Although the overall pillowcase 132 may be viewed as only partially filled, the amount of fill material 133 is such that when the fill material is put all to one side of pillow system, such as the collar pillow portion of the second end 102, that end will be substantially filled.

A reversible zipper system 125 uses flaps 134 which allow portions of the zipper 135 to fasten to each other in order to capture a first or second configuration of the pillow system. As part of this transformation, the first end 130 of the pillow case may be rolled up and placed into the collar end of the pillow case, below the zipper. With the fill material 133 all below the zipper, and then the rolled up first end 130 also placed below the zipper, these components substantially fill the second end 131 of the pillowcase 132 such that when the zipper is now closed the pillow system presents the second, collared, configuration 102 of the pillow system. The captured fill of certain features, such as ears, may be retained in the emptied end. As seen in FIGS. 4C and then FIG. 4D, the rolled up first end 130 of the pillowcase is ultimately placed below the zipper and forms part of the stuffing of the pillow, along with the fill material 133. When the zipper is fastened, the pillow has taken the second configuration 102, with a collar pillow as well as aspects of animal characters on the tubular sections.

FIG. 6 illustrates the transformable pillow system 100 wherein the first end 130 and the second end 131 are both spread out on either side of the reversible zipper 125. FIGS. 7A-D illustrate cross-sections of the pillow system as it starts from the posture as seen in FIG. 6 and is put into the first configuration 101, as was seen in FIG. 1. In order to allow for transformation into the first configuration 101, the pillowcase 132 may be held vertically with the first end 130 downward and the second end 131 raised. As seen in cross-section in FIG. 7A, the pillowcase 132 is partially filled with a fill material 133. Although the overall pillowcase 132 may be viewed as only partially filled, the amount of fill material 133 is such that when the fill material is put all to one side of pillow system, such as the first end 101, that end will be substantially filled.

The reversible zipper system 125 uses flaps 134 which allow portions of the zipper 135 to fasten to each other in order to this other configuration of the pillow system. As part of this transformation, the second end 131 of the pillow case may be rolled up and placed into the first end of the pillow case, below the zipper. With the fill material 133 all below the zipper, and then the rolled up second end 131 also placed below the zipper, these components substantially fill the first end 130 of the pillowcase 132 such that when the zipper is now closed the pillow system presents the first configuration 101 of the pillow system. Captured fill within features such as ears may be retained by the otherwise emptied end.

FIG. 8 illustrates a transformable pillow system using another fastening system according to some embodiments of the present invention. In some aspects, the transformable pillow system may use a fastening system such as hook and loop fasteners. FIG. 9 illustrates the transformable pillow system wherein the first end 140 and the second end 141 are both spread out on either side of a hook and loop fastener system 145. FIGS. 10A-B illustrate cross-sections of the pillow system as it starts from the posture as seen in FIG. 9 and is put into a first configuration, as was seen in FIG. 8. In order to allow for transformation into the first configuration, the pillowcase 142 may be held vertically with the first end 140 raised and the second end 141 downward. As seen in cross-section in FIG. 10B, the pillowcase 142 is partially filled with a fill material 133. Although the overall pillowcase 142 may be viewed as only partially filled, the amount of fill material 133 is such that when the fill material is put all to one side of pillow system, such as the first end, that end will be substantially filled.

The hook and loop fastener system 145 uses flaps 144 which allow portions of the hook and loop fastener system 145 to fasten to each other in order to this other configuration of the pillow system. As part of this transformation, the end 140 of the pillow case may be rolled up and placed into the collar end 141 of the pillow case, below the hook and loop fasteners. With the fill material 133 all below the hook and loop fasteners, and then the rolled up first end 140 also placed below the hook and loop fasteners, these components substantially fill the second end 141 of the pillowcase 142 such that when the hook and loop fasteners are closed the pillow system presents the collared configuration of the pillow system.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate a transformable pillow system using another fastening system according to some embodiments of the present invention. In some aspects, the transformable pillow system may use a fastening system such as buttons and button holes. A first end 150 allows for a pillow with a character, such as an animal. The character may have features 154, such as ears, which have fill separate from the main fill. The separate fill may allow for the features to maintain their shape without the need to carefully refill the feature with fill from the main fill when the pillow is transformed from one configuration to the other. FIG. 12 illustrates a collared configuration 151 which may include a character 158 on one of the collar ends. The character 158 on the collar end may also have features 153, such as ears, which may include fill which remains in the feature, separate from the main fill of the pillowcase.

FIGS. 13A-B illustrate cross-sectional views of the first end 150 of a transformable pillow system as the pillow is transformed into a character feature. The collar end 151 is seen in FIG. 13B as it is rolled and placed into the first end 150. The features, such as ears, 153 seen on the collar end with a character head 158 are all placed together with the main fill into the first end of the pillow case. The buttons 156 and button holes 157 are used to capture the second end of the pillow case and the main fill to complete the transformation.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate a first configuration 20l and a second configuration 202 of a transformable pillow system according to a second embodiment 200 of the present invention. The pillow is transformable from the first configuration 201 to the second configuration 202, and also transformable from the second configuration 202 to the first configuration 201. As seen in FIG. 15, the first configuration 201 may be a pillow that has aspects of an animal character. The three dimensional aspect of the animal character still has significant amount of smooth surface such that a comfortable head supporting function is attainable in this first animal character configuration 201. In some aspects, the character ends still comprise a substantially rectangular pillow shape.

The first configuration 201 of the transformable pillow system 200 may include features of an animal character, which may endear the pillow system to children. A head 215 of an animal character, such as a dog, may include eyes, 214, a nose 213, and ears 212. The paws 211 may also be simulated as part of the first pillow configuration, while maintaining a significant area available for use as a traditional flat pillow surface. The character features, such as eyes, nose, and ears, may contain their own fill material that is captured within the character feature. The captured fill material may allow for the feature, such as ears, to have fill in it when the pillow is in a particular configuration, as it may be somewhat difficult to route the main fill material into some of the passages of these features. With captured fill, the features may maintain a more textured look.

The second configuration 202 of the transformable pillow system 200 may include a second character 223 that may represent another animal character, or a fanciful character. A closed zipper 225 is seen at the base of the pillow.

In some embodiments, the fill used in the transformable pillow system may comprise fill which includes natural or synthetic fragrances. In some aspects, there may be an opening, such as a zippered opening, adapted to allow for addition to the fill, or complete replacement of the fill, if desired. Fill with an aromatic aspect, such as herbs, or other fragrance related materials, may be added to provide an aromatherapy aspect to the use of the transformable pillow system. In the case of a pillow system adapted for children, the aromatic aspect may enhance the comfort for the child allowing for a better sleep experience.

In some embodiments, the fill used in the transformable pillow system may be adapted to retain when heated, such as with a microwave. The use of heated fill, and also aromatic fill, in conjunction with animal type characters allows for use by a child such that the child may be very comfortable, and may allow for a better sleep experience.

FIG. 16 illustrates the transformable pillow system 200 wherein the first end 230 and the second end 231 are both spread out on either side of the reversible zipper 225. FIGS. 17A-D illustrate cross-sections of the pillow system as it starts from the posture as seen in FIG. 15 and is transformed to the second configuration 202 , as seen in FIG. 14. The pillow system 200 has a pillowcase with the first end 230 with features of an animal character, and a second end 231 with the features of a fanciful character. The first end 230 and the second end 231 are separated by a reversible zipper system 225 in some embodiments.

In order to allow for transformation into the second configuration 202, the pillowcase may be held vertically with the second end 231 downward. As seen in cross-section in FIG. 17A, the pillowcase is partially filled with a fill material 133. Although the overall pillowcase may be viewed as only partially filled, the amount of fill material 133 is such that when the fill material is put all to one side of pillow system, such as the second end 202, that end will be substantially filled.

A reversible zipper system 225 uses flaps 234 which allow portions of the zipper 235 to fasten to each other in order to capture a first or second configuration of the pillow system. As part of this transformation, the first end 230 of the pillow case may be rolled up and placed into the collar end of the pillow case, below the zipper. With the fill material 133 all below the zipper, and then the rolled up first end 230 also placed below the zipper, these components substantially fill the second end 231 of the pillowcase such that when the zipper is now closed the pillow system presents the second, fanciful character, configuration 202 of the pillow system. As seen in FIGS. 17C and then FIG. 17D, the rolled up first end 230 of the pillowcase is ultimately placed below the zipper and forms part of the stuffing of the pillow, along with the fill material 133. When the zipper is fastened, the pillow has taken the second configuration 202.

FIG. 18 illustrates the transformable pillow system 200 wherein the first end 230 and the second end 231 are both spread out on either side of the reversible zipper 225. FIGS. 19A-D illustrate cross-sections of the pillow system as it starts from the posture as seen in FIG. 14 and is put into the first configuration 101, as was seen in FIG. 15. In order to allow for transformation into the first configuration 201, the pillowcase may be held vertically with the first end 230 downward and the second end 231 raised. As seen in cross-section in FIG. 19A, the pillowcase is partially filled with a main fill material 133. Although the overall pillowcase may be viewed as only partially filled, the amount of fill material 133 is such that when the fill material is put all to one side of pillow system, such as the first end 201, that end will be substantially filled.

FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate a transformable pillow system using another fastening system according to some embodiments of the present invention. In some aspects, the transformable pillow system may use a fastening system such as hook and loop fasteners. The hook and loop fastener system 245 uses flaps which allow portions of the hook and loop fastener system 245 to fasten to each other in order to this other configuration of the pillow system. As part of this transformation, the end of the pillow case may be rolled up and placed into the opposite end of the pillow case, below the hook and loop fasteners. With the fill material 133 all below the hook and loop fasteners, and then the rolled up first end also placed below the hook and loop fasteners, these components substantially fill the second end of the pillowcase such that when the hook and loop fasteners are closed the pillow system presents the collared configuration of the pillow system.

FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate a transformable pillow system using another fastening system according to some embodiments of the present invention. In some aspects, the transformable pillow system may use a fastening system such as buttons and button holes 255. A first end allows for a pillow with a character, such as an animal. The character may have features, such as ears, which have fill separate from the main fill. The separate fill may allow for the features to maintain their shape without the need to carefully refill the feature with fill from the main fill when the pillow is transformed from one configuration to the other.

FIGS. 24 through 30 illustrate a transformable pillow system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The pillow is transformable from a first character configuration to a second character configuration. The three dimensional aspect of the character configurations still have a significant amount of smooth surface such that a comfortable head supporting function is attainable. The character configurations may allow a child to feel more comfortable such that the sleeping experience is enhanced. In some aspects, the fill may include fill adapted to retain heat, such as when the pillow system is placed in a microwave. In some aspects, the pillow system may utilize fill which includes an aromatic aspect.

As evident from the above description, a wide variety of embodiments may be configured from the description given herein and additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is, therefore, not limited to the specific details and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures from such details may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A transformable pillow system comprising: a pillowcase enclosing a particular volume of a main fill material; wherein said pillowcase includes a collar end and a character end, with two sides of a reversible fastening mechanism disposed between said collar end and said character end, wherein said pillow case at said collar end includes two tubular collar sections extending approximately in the same direction with a saddle section sized to receive the neck of a person extending between the two tubular collar sections; wherein the character end of said pillow case comprises ornamental representation of a character on the exterior of said character end; wherein the size of the pillowcase is such that when the main fill material is positioned to substantially fill said collar end of said pillowcase, said two tubular collar sections and said saddle section are substantially full of the main fill material, and wherein when said main fill material is positioned to substantially fill said character end, said character end of said pillowcase is substantially full of said main fill material.
 2. The transformable pillow system of claim 1 wherein said collars end comprises a character head on the end of one of the tubular collar sections.
 3. The transformable pillow system of claim 1 wherein said reversible fastening mechanism system is a reversible zipper system.
 4. The transformable pillow system of claim 2 wherein said reversible fastening mechanism system is a reversible zipper system.
 5. The transformable pillow system of claim 1 wherein said reversible fastening mechanism system is a button and button hole system.
 6. The transformable pillow system of claim 2 wherein said reversible fastening mechanism system is a button and button hole system.
 7. The transformable pillow system of claim 1 wherein said reversible fastening mechanism system is a hook and loop system.
 8. The transformable pillow system of claim 2 wherein said reversible fastening mechanism system is a hook and loop system.
 9. The transformable pillow system of claim 1 wherein said character end comprises features associated with a character.
 10. The transformable pillow system of claim 9 wherein said features associated with a character comprise ears.
 11. The transformable pillow system of claim 9 wherein said features comprise a fill material separate from said main fill material.
 12. The transformable pillow system of claim 10 wherein said ears comprise a fill material separate from said main fill material.
 13. A transformable pillow system comprising: a pillowcase enclosing a particular volume of a main fill material; wherein said pillowcase includes a first character end and a second character end, with two sides of a reversible fastening mechanism disposed between said first character end and said second character end, wherein said pillow case at said first character end comprises an ornamental representation of a first character on the exterior of said first character end; wherein said pillow case at said second character end comprises an ornamental representation of a second character on the exterior of said second character end; wherein the size of the pillowcase is such that when the main fill material is positioned to substantially fill said first character end of said pillowcase, said first character end is substantially full of the main fill material, and wherein when said main fill material is positioned to substantially fill said second character end, said second character end of said pillowcase is substantially full of said main fill material.
 14. The transformable pillow system of claim 13 wherein said reversible fastening mechanism system is a reversible zipper system.
 15. The transformable pillow system of claim 13 wherein said reversible fastening mechanism system is a button and button hole system.
 16. The transformable pillow system of claim 13 wherein said reversible fastening mechanism system is a hook and loop system.
 17. The transformable pillow system of claim 13 wherein said fill material comprises an aromatic compound.
 18. The transformable pillow system of claim 13 wherein said fill material comprises a heat retaining material.
 19. The transformable pillow system of claim 13 wherein said first character end comprises a substantially rectangular pillow shape.
 20. The transformable pillow system of claim 19 wherein said second character end comprises a substantially rectangular pillow shape. 